Piano Lessons

When 13-year-old Craig O’Reilly (Willy Simeon) receives a refurbished piano for his birthday, he’s less than thrilled. Dull piano lesson drag on until he discovers the piano's uncanny ability to play itself. But this enchanted instrument isn’t all harmony and melody—it has a mischievous streak, drinking, smoking and even devouring the family cat. Unable to tame the unruly piano for his high school rock band’s debut, he opts for an electric keyboard instead, igniting the wrath of the jealous sentient piano. This darkly comedic short marked the screen debut of writer/director Jonothan Cullinane (Trifecta, We’re Here to Help).

I woulda killed for a piano when I was your age.

– Craig's Dad (Ian Watkin) on his son's birthday present

Key Cast & Crew

John McKay

Sound Mix

Allen Guilford

Cinematographer

Trevor Haysom

Producer, First Assistant Director

Ian Watkin

As: Dad

Willy Simeon

As: Craig

Jonothan Cullinane

Director, Writer, Producer